Buffalo, N.Y. – After nearly two decades of renting space, Western New York Heroes is set to occupy a permanent home at 235 North Street, thanks to a $1.8 million commitment from Foundation 214. The nonprofit, now in its 19th year, provides a range of programs for Western New York veterans, most notably the Pawsitive for Heroes service‑dog initiative.
New building, new possibilities
“We can finally go from renting and years of leasing to a facility that is ours,” said Chris Kreiger, president and CEO of Western New York Heroes, during a recent tour of the former spinal‑cord surgical center that will become the organization’s headquarters. The building is undergoing extensive renovations, including new water and gas lines, expanded kennel space, and a dedicated service‑dog academy.
Kreiger explained that many of the service dogs are trained inside correctional facilities by incarcerated volunteers, a model that has attracted interest from veterans across the country. “Our big thing was that Western New York Heroes is a grassroots local organization, supporting veterans right here in Western New York,” he said. “But this one program is something that veterans from all over the country have been reaching out for, and we sat back and said, ‘why are we saying no when we have the tools that they need?’”
Foundation 214’s pledge
Foundation 214’s $1.8 million pledge covers the building renovation, while an additional $1 million will support ongoing programming. The commitment was a surprise to Kreiger, who thanked Brandi Alfiero, director of grand programs and community relations at Foundation 214, for the support.
Alfiero emphasized that the investment gives the nonprofit a solid foundation to grow. “They’re not only doing such great work, but they’re doing so much work that they needed their own building,” she said. “The investment will give the organization a foundation to continue growing.”
Impact on veterans
The new facility will allow Western New York Heroes to expand its services, including more comprehensive counseling, job‑training workshops, and the much‑needed service‑dog academy. “Every day there’s a veteran, there’s a new veteran. There’s a veteran that’s just now going to hear about this, and you guys have made this… the ability for us to actually support our veterans,” Alfiero added.
Local leaders and community members have praised the development as a boost to Buffalo’s veteran support network. The project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Western New York’s nonprofit sector and provide stable, locally‑controlled resources for those who have served the nation.
Looking ahead
With the renovations slated for completion early next year, Western New York Heroes anticipates a surge in program enrollment and increased collaboration with other veteran‑focused organizations in the region. The organization’s move into its own building marks a significant milestone in its mission to honor and serve the men and women who have defended our freedoms.
Original reporting: WKBW 7 Buffalo (Buffalo section) — read the source article.
